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Portakabin delivers first Cadet Super Centre in East Midlands

By Portakabin in Industry News

We are proud to announce that Portakabin has been appointed to deliver a major new Joint Cadet Centre for East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association at their Clare Street Army Reserve Centre. This pioneering new project in Northampton marks a regional first for modular construction and youth training. 

The ‘Super Centre’ development brings seven army cadets and RAF air cadets Detachments together with state-of-the-art training facilities and modular offices. It represents an important milestone for the East Midlands, providing hundreds of cadets and adult volunteers with a modernised, fit-for-purpose environment. The project has been driven by the government’s Strategic Defence Review, which aims to grow the cadet forces by 30% before 2030. To meet these ambitious targets, the East Midlands RFCA needed a construction partner who would be able to deliver a large-scale, high-quality and sustainable facility, with minimal disruption to the active site. 

Andrew Simpkin, Head of Operations for GB Sales at Portakabin states, “We’re proud to be delivering this flagship ‘Super Centre’ in Northampton, bringing together multiple Cadet units in a high-quality, modern environment designed to support training, collaboration and growth. 

“This project demonstrates how modern modular buildings offer flexible facilities at pace, while minimising disruption on site. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this centre will have on cadets, volunteers and the wider community for many years to come.” 

 

Inside the new Northampton 'Super Centre' training facility  

 

Designed to replace three smaller buildings at the rear of the Clare Street site, the new U-shaped modular building is designed to support the aims of the Strategic Defence Review by maximising space and collaboration. The building features: 

  • Two dedicated drill halls for advanced training and exercises. 
  • Comprehensive storage and modern office spaces to support day-to-day operations. 
  • An innovative covered outdoor training facility, with potential provisions being explored for air rifle shooting. 
  • Eco-friendly integration, including solar panels and sustainability upgrades designed to reduce the centre’s energy consumption. 

 

Supporting Collaboration and Transforming Experiences 

 

The Super Centre modular building will unite units, including multiple detachments currently operating out of Gibraltar Barracks and Northampton Academy. 

Regional defence leaders have shared their excitement for the project's potential. With Stuart Williams OBE, Chief Executive of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA), who is overseeing the project, stating: “Bringing together seven Detachments under the roof of one ‘Super Centre’ is unprecedented in our region…It will deliver modern and fit for purpose facilities and help to transform the cCadet experience for children and young people in and around Northampton.” 

Colonel Alex Calver, Commandant of the LNR Army Cadet Force, also described the new building as a “flagship facility for the East Midlands and a hive of inspiration for cadet forces…”, explaining how “it will provide modern, fit for purpose spaces that help our volunteers deliver outstanding training, strengthen our presence in the community, and give our cadets a fuller, more ambitious cadet experience.” 

Wing Commander Carl Wilson, RAF Air Cadets, stated "…this modern facility will be transformative - a fresh, purpose-built home that inspires ambition and supports cCadets to achieve their very best.” 

The new Super Centre will serve as a hub for the following Cadet units: 

  • 5F (Northampton) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets (existing on-site unit) 
  • A Company Corps of Drums, LNR Army Cadet Force (existing on-site unit) 
  • A Company Ranger Platoon, LNR Army Cadet Force (existing on-site unit) 
  • Anzio Detachment, LNR Army Cadet Force (currently based at Northampton Academy/Gibraltar Barracks) 
  • Gibraltar, Quebec, and Salamanca Detachments, LNR Army Cadet Force (currently based at Gibraltar Barracks) 


Modular defence infrastructure 

 

At Portakabin, our aim is to engineer complex, precision-built modular buildings that meet rigorous specifications, whilst minimising disruption. Explore how we can support your defence infrastructure needs.